Phil T wrote:In 2007, the last year the Dauntless 220 was produced, it was offered with the optional Verado 225. With that engine, the factory supplied the Mercury REVOLUTION4 prop in 14-5/8 by 17-pitch.
The test of Dauntless 220 performed by Boston Whaler was dated May 2004. At that time, the ENERTIA propeller was not released to the market. Since the ENERTIA propeller was released (in 2006 I guess) I realize all [subsequent] performance tests done by Boston Whaler with VERADO engine use the ENERTIA propeller.
For example, Boston Whaler Performance report of a 230 DAUNTLESS (different boat than 220 DAUNTLESS) with Verado 225 :
- 15 MAY 2007: ENERTIA 14-1/2 x 17-pitch gave 42.7-nautical-miles-per-hour at 65150-RPM WOT
- 26 JANUARY 2011,: ENERTIA 14-3/4 x 17-pitch gave 41.2-nautical-miles-per-hour at 6250-RPM WOT
In term of size, hull surface, and weight [the 230 DAUNTLESS] may be close to the 220 DAUNTLESS
My conclusion : the ENERTIA propeller is certainly a good propeller for my 220 DAUNTLESS. With my ENERTIA propeller the PITCH is obviously too high: my propeller is a 14 x 19-pitch.
It may be that the REVOLUTION4 is NOT the unique propeller solution for a 220 DAUNTLESS.
Raising the engine one-hole higher [from the present mounting height of one-hole-up to then be two-holes-up] and using an ENERTIA 16-pitch or 17-pitch propeller would [or should] certainly bring significantly better performance as well.
I've done some research about the REVOLUTION4 propeller. I have read [somewhere unspecified] that the REVOLUTION4 is like a TEMPEST
plus propeller with one more blade, which gives the REVOLUTION4 additional grip in the mid-RPM engine speed range.
Like a TEMPEST
plus, a REVOLUTION4 has a high rake angle with a good capability of working close to the surface, Note that in the engine set up of a VERADO 225 on a 220 DAUNTLESS, Boston Whaler recommends the engine to be mounted two-holes-up.
That said, the ENERTIA is also designed to work close to the surface with a high rake angle. The greater blade surface gives the ENERTIA excellent performances in the mid-RPM engine speed range without sacrificing top speed. This is what makes me think the ENERITA is certainly a good option for a 220 DAUNTLESS, too.
I'm sorry to bother you with so much litterature, I just wanted to share my thoughts.
Luc